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Contemplating selling Copic Markers..NE1 else feel the same way?
Here I have invested so much into about 210 Copic markers with the notion I would be able to just start coloring. I have no art background what-so-ever. In fact, scrapbooking is my only real "talent". I know I can create an image with Copics, but it seems like it takes me forever to color one image. Now, the kicker, I have tried Distress Inks and I actually feel I am producing a pretty good image. For some reason, the tip of the watercolor aqua pen seems smaller, but probably not true.
I know I'd probably regret it, but does anyone else feel the same way?
I was in an Archivers store a while back, and I saw some customers coloring with COPICS. They were using them as if they were Crayola markers, coloring back and forth in a willy-nilly manner just to fill in the space. That's not the purpose of an art marker.
With art markers, you have to carefully lay the color on as if you're using a paint brush. You also have to pair lighter and darker colors for shading purposes.
I think that too many buyers of COPICS are hoping for some magic, when the real magic comes in the technique. Perhaps you need to take a COPIC class, or watch some tutorials here on the internet. Good luck!
I love my Copics, but I also love my watercolours, Marvy Le Plumes and Distress Inks! I like to have a variety of colouring choices to my advice is don't sell them!!
Not for a second did I ever consider that. I read, and read, and read about techniques, blending, shading, etc before I bought the markers. Then I practiced over and over again until I felt that I could produce an image worthy of a card. Then I took two classes to improve my skills.
Next I will get the last 15 or so I need to finish the sketch collection and an airbrush. Again a whole new world of learning, techniques, classes, and practice. But it will be worth it to get the results that I see others achieve.
Contrary to what it may seem, many of us here on SCS don't own a single Copic. If you're not using them and don't love them, why not sell them and get $$ for things you do enjoy using. It also un-clutters your area.
__________________ Diana
*******
Save your drama for your llama.
I wouldn't consider selling mine. I'm not "artistic" either but I do love to experiment and as long as the original image is there, I feel I can work on the coloring. It's not an instant thing, that's for sure, but I love to "explore". Check out ilikemarkers.blogspot.com Marianne is a product specialist for Copic and has provided a wealth of info on their use.
If after giving it a fair shot, you decide you just can't utilize them, then go ahead and sell them and use the money for things you can use.
Different strokes for different folks, but I would recommend some experimentation before you do anything drastic, because as we all know, you'll never get out of them what you put into them.
Ummmm.....no Suzanne for me. Tried it, didn't like it! If you have nothing nice to say...say NOTHING!
Yes, I do feel like I do play a lot with them. I do have a card in the gallery with Copics, but it took so long to color. Believe me...I have spent a year looking at tutorials!
This is interesting to read...keep 'em comin'.
Last edited by LoveyouMostest; 04-21-2010 at 06:35 AM..
Yes the coloring takes a while to do so you cant mass produce cards with an extensive Copic colored image. The coloring and shading is very relaxing for me so I do it on special "cards" or projects.
But I soooo love the professional look and I am not an artist by any reference!
I would never part with my Copics. I purchased them pretty much one by one. I treated myself with a new Copic if I needed a pick me or a little celebration.
Ummmm.....no Suzanne for me. Tried it, didn't like it! If you have nothing nice to say...say NOTHING!
Yes, I do feel like I do play a lot with them. I do have a card in the gallery with Copics, but it took so long to color. Believe me...I have spent a year looking at tutorials!
This is interesting to read...keep 'em comin'.
Oh well...that is a different story. If you've watched tutorials and taken a class and still don't like your copics...then sell them and get your money back so you can buy something you do like...Post them in the Buy Sell Trade section or on eBay and see what you can get for them... I am sure some lucky Splitcoaster would want the whole collection.
Yes the coloring takes a while to do so you cant mass produce cards with an extensive Copic colored image. The coloring and shading is very relaxing for me so I do it on special "cards" or projects.
But I soooo love the professional look and I am not an artist by any reference!
I would never part with my Copics. I purchased them pretty much one by one. I treated myself with a new Copic if I needed a pick me or a little celebration.
Bonnie
Hahaha! I just did that on Monday... I had a really bad day so I took the subway up to Blick Arts and bought some Prismacolor pencils and two copics...instant mood elevator!
I purchased a set of 12 about 18 months ago. It's true, you do have to have some sense of color/shading/light to work with these markers. I'm not an artist and am not trying to be. I want to create cards that I am proud to send to friends and family for various reasons and "Just Because". I don't need very expensive markers to do this. I gave mine away to a friend who I knew had the background to use them as they are meant to be. I'm happy with my decision. I was only looking for the satisfaction of someone using them that would truly enjoy the experience, not looking to get back the money on a purchase I should not have made in the first place.
I'm happy for those that enjoy using them but I found all the hype about them didn't make me an expert in using them.
Crafting is something you should enjoy doing. I'd rather spend my money on other crafting tools I can use to my advantage.
I am not artisitic, either. I've never taken an art class and learned about the color wheel, etc. However, I do love my Copics. I actually had the opportunity to take a few colored pencil classes from Karen Lockhart so I learned about coloring from her. I applied the same ideas behind the coloring with my Copics and from there it just took practice.
I will say, though, every thing is not for every one. Take altered art, for example. I think it's beautiful to look at, I've seen people create some breathtaking works of art with all the alcohol inks and such, but it's just not for me. I don't even want to invest my money there outside of distress inks. So, if you've tried the Copics, feel like you've given it a reasonable amount of time and effort but it just doesn't work for you, then sell them and recoup your cost as much as possible. Maybe your enjoyment lies elsewhere. There are so many choices of coloring mediums out there....you'll find one that best suits you.
In the " for what it's worth department"....I looked at your gallery and I think the cards you posted colored with Copics are really, REALLY beautiful!! They are all colored very well. But, if it took you longer than you want it to, to the point where it feels like "work" and isn't fun anymore; then I can see why you might be questioning if this particular technique is for you.
I recently took the plunge and bought some Copics. After all the Copic love that is out here I really felt I was "missing out" on something! Silly, I know. My problem now is that I don't have a lot of stamp images that require coloring. So not only do I have the expense of purchasing the markers, but I'm on the prowl to buy new stamps! My budget can't take that!! LOL.
It is easy to get caught up in the techniques everyone uses and raves about; and feel like you want to "join in". But as another poster said, not every technique is for every person. We all have our own style, favorite colors, and our own "process" of how we enjoy being creative.
Maybe coloring with Copics just isn't for you. And that's okay. I say do what makes you happy and keeps you enjoying your crafting time. But you for sure should SELL them ( here or on Ebay ) it's too much money to let "go down the drain" so to speak. Resell them and get other supplies you will really enjoy.
I was looking at the sets of three you can get at Flourishes...I think I will buy a set or two and learn to use them. Then I might try a few more. As of yet..I do not own ANY. blessings.
I also do not own Copics- (1) due to the high $$, (2) I love my prisma colored pencils and watercolor pencils.
In my opinion, Sell - Sell- Sell them, if you are not enjoying them, recoup as much $$ as you can and buy something you do like. Not every product or technique is for everyone- you gave Copics a try and even took a class on them.. I wouldn't waste another moment- get these up for sale so you can then buy something you do like. I think you have given these a fair chance, don't feel bad or guilty- it is time to break up with copics so you can either re-involve yourself with something you already like- or find something else that will make you happy.
Best of luck- you should be able to get a decent amount out of these very expensive markers- I think you should be looking to recoup alot of the money you lost on them (your never recover all of it)- but don't just give them away like someone else said (unless you have that kind of money to burn) you own over 200 of them.
I have to say I never jumped on the Copic kick because they are expensive. But I also have several sets of makers that I just never used...I figured these would be no different.
Personally, I prefer the watercolor look so I almost exclusively use my Distress Inks and a Niji Waterbrush to color my images.
I say if you don't like em...sell em!
__________________ Ink Stained Roni
my blog... Ink Stains
My husband bought me a used set of 36 copic markers about a year ago. All I do is color with them ... I haven't tried shading. I do love them though! They color so smoothly without the blotching I get when I try to color with the SU markers. I think they are wonderful even if you don't use them to their ultimate ability just because of the smoothness of the ink when it's applied to the paper.
I am on the other side of copics. Tried them and sold them. I am much happier with my tombows and watercolor brush. I do not want to invest the time in practising using the copics and the cost is more than I want to invest in my card making.
Ok..you guys have made my decision much easier. And Sheena, you are so right, I did spend over $1,000 on these and the question is how much will somebody pay for them? I can't just give them away, or I might as well keep them.
OK...over-estimated about $800 not includng shipping, so maybe I will put it in the buy or trade I would love $800 worth of Magnolia stamps!!! YUMMERS!! LOL
OK...over-estimated about $800 not includng shipping, so maybe I will put it in the buy or trade I would love $800 worth of Magnolia stamps!!! YUMMERS!! LOL
LOL...yeah, picking out $800.00 in stamps DOES sound like fun ;)
__________________ Ink Stained Roni
my blog... Ink Stains
In the " for what it's worth department"....I looked at your gallery and I think the cards you posted colored with Copics are really, REALLY beautiful!! They are all colored very well. But, if it took you longer than you want it to, to the point where it feels like "work" and isn't fun anymore; then I can see why you might be questioning if this particular technique is for you.
I agree.. I just looked at your gallery too. Your coloring is not as bad as you think..
If I'm not too nosy - what exactly is it about your coloring (with Copics) that displeases you? Coloring with Copics takes patience and practice. Don't force it.
I agree with everyone else too... color with a medium that you are comfortable with. Maybe after coloring with distress inks you would like to go back and try coloring with copics?
I color with Copics and have no plans to sell them.
Love the look of distess inks and maybe will try them out someday.
If you don't use or want the markers, I would get rid of them now while they are brand new and in excellent condition. They will sell better that way.
Personally I love mine and wouldn't get rid of them but I don't expect every other stamper to love them so move on to something that you do love. I am a crafter who pulls things out if I haven't used them in several months and sets them aside, then if I don't use them in several more months I usually end up trading the item for something else as I clearly didn't want it since I haven't use it. Many of the items are (SHOCK) brand new!!
I tried copics at Wallacks for the first time 4 days ago. I have seen all the pretty images and read all the hype. They were nice and I'm sure I could figure them out because I can colour well with other types of colouring mediums but I just can't bring myself to buy any for a couple of reasons. Number one is the price - they are minimum 7 bucks her in Canada and I know I'd want tonnes if I liked them and I already have almost every colour of tombow out there as well as a giant set of Lyra watercolour crayons, another style of watercolour crayons, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils and gamsol, ink pencils and pastel pencils and soft pastels. I can't justify another HUGE chunk of money on something else to colour with. And number two is that in the 5 minutes or so I played with them at the store I got a weird feeling in my head from the acetone. Not really a head ache but close and I like my alchohol inks enough to put up with that smell but the copics feel like they'll make me sick so I've decided they just aren't for me no matter how tempted I am to gt 3 shades and a colourless blender "just to try them out". LOL.
I say if you don't like them then sell them and get something you do like. I've done the math on how much you have invested in them if you bought them here in Canada and with taxes... Wow! Get some money back and buy out the entire stock of Magnolias instead!
Good luck!
And number two is that in the 5 minutes or so I played with them at the store I got a weird feeling in my head from the acetone. Not really a head ache but close and I like my alchohol inks enough to put up with that smell but the copics feel like they'll make me sick so I've decided they just aren't for me no matter how tempted I am to gt 3 shades and a colourless blender "just to try them out". LOL.
I say if you don't like them then sell them and get something you do like. I've done the math on how much you have invested in them if you bought them here in Canada and with taxes... Wow! Get some money back and buy out the entire stock of Magnolias instead!
Good luck!
I might be understanding you incorrectly, but Copics are alchohol inks, not acetone markers.
I would give them a some time. It took about 20 or more images coloring before I was completely happy with the results. I have no art background other than scrapbooking and cardmaking, and really love my Copics. Also, as time has gone on I have gotten faster at coloring with them. How long is it taking you to color an image? You will not recoup what you paid for them but if you find after giving them a fair try that you still do not like them I say go to ebay with them, I think you will get the best price for them there.
If you do decide to sell them on ebay, I would sell them in smaller "lots." I have seen many people try to sell very large lots of stamps or such in one lot, and I think for most people that price is way too high for people to afford so the winning bid is not as high as you would expect to get.
The other thing you could do is post them here on SCS for $X per used copic and $Y for unused copic--if you know which ones are which. Otherwise, just sell them all individually at $Z.
__________________ Brenda
<-My sibling kitties, Milo and Rousseau
A cheaper alternative to Copics if you just want to try them are thr TRIART markers. They are just like Copics and can be used with Copics as they are also alcohol markers.
The difference is they are MUCH cheaper $2.89 each and they have 3 tips. They are refillable also.
I buy mine at CarpeDiem and any Triart order over $25 gets free shipping.
Oh, please hang on to them for about a year before selling them!
It'll be a win-win situation ... you'll know if you really want them gone and by then, I'll be ready to buy them! LOL!
__________________ If you don't want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values, because you don't. ~ Jimmy Carter
I am not artistic at all, I started with primsa color pencils, then this year I bought copics, I love them, I still do not know what I am doing but I practice, for me it is relaxing.
__________________ Daughter of a King My Blog
Rebekka
Wow, you all have been so helpful in my radical decision to sell my Copics. I went back to see how long I have owned my Copics and actually my largest order ($300) was in February of this year. I began coloring with Prismacolors Pencils with gamsol and Prismacolor Markers. I sold the Prismacolor markers (brand new) to get into the "Copic bandwagon". I haven't picked up my pencils since I have bought my Copics. I am beginning to think I'm not giving myself a fair shot.
Although it took me a longer amount of time to color with the Copics, I am pleased with my results. The hardest thing I find with my Copics is "leaving white space". When you are coloring in a small image, I know I don't have a steady hand (due to illness).
After another contemplation, I was thinking, I know I'm learning and maybe I've given myself a bigger challenge by using more intricate images. I should be looking at my CC Design stamps or even my Bella stamps for Copics and then use Distress Inks for Magnolia Tilda and Edwin stamps.
Yesterday, I was selling them, but it's time to stop WORRYING about my coloring and just enjoy!!
Thanks to all to help me make a decision and just put all my mediums to play.
Wow, you all have been so helpful in my radical decision to sell my Copics. I went back to see how long I have owned my Copics and actually my largest order ($300) was in February of this year. I began coloring with Prismacolors Pencils with gamsol and Prismacolor Markers. I sold the Prismacolor markers (brand new) to get into the "Copic bandwagon". I haven't picked up my pencils since I have bought my Copics. I am beginning to think I'm not giving myself a fair shot.
Although it took me a longer amount of time to color with the Copics, I am pleased with my results. The hardest thing I find with my Copics is "leaving white space". When you are coloring in a small image, I know I don't have a steady hand (due to illness).
After another contemplation, I was thinking, I know I'm learning and maybe I've given myself a bigger challenge by using more intricate images. I should be looking at my CC Design stamps or even my Bella stamps for Copics and then use Distress Inks for Magnolia Tilda and Edwin stamps.
Yesterday, I was selling them, but it's time to stop WORRYING about my coloring and just enjoy!!
Thanks to all to help me make a decision and just put all my mediums to play.
Sheila
Now that is the perfect way to think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
I have to confess...I own one COPIC, a flesh tone for coloring my Pure Innocence kids. The only markers I use are Prismacolor markers because they do the same thing as COPICS for half the price. I bought a lot at Dick Blick's, and I'm happy with my little collection. Nothing excessive, just enough to give me some coloring options. A thousand bucks for COPICS? Yikes! I'm way too cheap for that. I say sell them while they are still the "hot" item to have!
I have never taken a class, have had minimal instruction on technique and would never sell my Copics despite the fact that as yet I am not all that terrific at using them to their fullest potential.
In fact when I go to Japan later this summer I am going to be hunting them down and purchasing a bunch as i bet they will be cheaper, although with the conversion, I am not sure how much cheaper.
Just a little aside as I am reading this post....
As a copic consumer first (before working with the company) I would have to say that what drew me the most to this particular marker was the quality....the biggest value to me now is the refilling. A lot of my markers I have refilled MULTIPLE times and there in lies the value. Now a marker that cost me more initially has now paid me back because instead of having to go and buy a new marker I am simply refilling which costs WAY less in the long run.
I see these as investment tools and not as a fad that I won't use again in 6 months or so.
There are so many tutorials out there so I would encourage you to play a little before selling them...
I don't own a single Copic marker. I've tried them at a couple of different stores to see if there was something amazing that I was missing. I didn't see anything special except the price tag. I have absolutely no art experience and can't shade to save my life so it would be a waste for me to start buying them. My husband on the other hand is naturally good at that king of thing. I am always amazed at how he can shade things he has drawn to look so real. I have no comprehension of it and it drives me crazy!
Your copic coloring is beautiful! But like someone else stated, if you feel it's work what fun is there in that? Do what makes you happy and keeps you enjoying your craft.
Ummmm.....no Suzanne for me. Tried it, didn't like it! If you have nothing nice to say...say NOTHING!
Yes, I do feel like I do play a lot with them. I do have a card in the gallery with Copics, but it took so long to color. Believe me...I have spent a year looking at tutorials!
This is interesting to read...keep 'em comin'.
I LOVE, Love, love my Copics & wouldn't dream of selling them. However, if you don't feel the same way... SELL THEM! Sounds like you've studied, practiced, tried & tried. If you don't LOVE them, move on.
We crafters tend to hoard materials, tools or supplies we don't love with the hope that we might "someday". Just because Copics are en vogue right now, doesn't mean you have to use them. Find the tools YOU love and enjoy using them without guilt.
and on my first project I had that same feeling...it was taking to long to color...I'm getting better and actually downsized what I was coloring; Keeping it simple. . . I've only had mine a few weeks now...
Do what makes you happy...if you're not enjoying them - kick em to the curb
We only have space for a certain amount of stuff. If you have anything you truly don't use or enjoy there is always some one who wants it.
I would try selling just a few you defiantly don't use for a fair price . When those have been sold put up a few more for sale .
You won't get your entire investment back so count the money you couldn't recover as part of learning.
I bought Curvey Cutter circles and oval templates and cutting tool. . I didn't realize the circles and ovals are large for scrapbook pages and I don't make scrap book pages. So it is going in the garage sale this summer
I won't get back what I paid for it , but it is silly to keep it.
Contemplating selling Copic Markers..NE1 else feel the same way?
